Features & Specifications
The Microsoft SideWinder X6 is packed with features that gamers will really like. The X6 has in game macro recording and can store up to 90 macros per game to a total of 30 macro keys. The biggest feature of the keyboard is the number pad, which can be placed on the right or left side of the keyboard. Backlighting is also included in a cool looking red in normal mode and the programmable keys are backlit with an orange color light when in the two gaming modes.

The keyboard has cruise control that will continue activating a key as long as cruise control is on. A full complement of media control keys are offered and the keyboard supports automatic profile switching. Another cool feature is that the WASD movement keys have three dots on the front of each key to make them easier to identify.

Installation & Use
Installing the Microsoft SideWinder X6 requires the installation of software from Microsoft. Once installed you simply connect the USB cable and the Microsoft SideWinder X6 is ready to be used. The keyboard has no internal memory like some other gaming keyboards on the market. All the macros are stored to the computer's hard drive.

To record a macro with the Microsoft SideWinder X6 you press the macro record button, then press the amber backlit button you want to use for the macro, enter the keys needed for the macro and hit the button again. You never have to leave your game to do this and the process is very easy to accomplish.

The big feature of the Microsoft SideWinder X6 is the number pad that can be put onto either the left or right side of the keyboard. The number pad is hot swappable so you can change it from side to side during a game. All of the keys on the number pad can be bound to macros and moving it is very easy to do. The number pad is held in place with a pair of magnets that suck it into place and connect it automatically. The connectors themselves look very much like USB ports.

The keyboard has two round knobs on the right side. One of the knobs is the dimmer control for the backlighting. The other knob controls the speaker or headphone volume on your computer. The backlighting is very bright (though again it is adjustable) and evenly lights the keyboard. I like the deep red color of the backlighting; it's nice to see something other than the common blue.

Typing feel is very good. I normally type on a Razer Lycosa gaming keyboard and the typing feel on the Microsoft SideWinder X6 is very similar. The main difference between the typing feel on the two keyboards is that the keys on the X6 are stiffer than those on the Lycosa. Overall typing feel on the X6 is good and I could certainly type on it exclusively without any issues.

I think that a gamer looking to get a new gaming keyboard would do well with the Microsoft SideWinder X6. It gives up the LCD of the Logitech G15, but being able to put the number pad on the left side of the keyboard will be a huge benefit for gamers who like macros. Gamers who travel to LAN parties without their normal computer may find the lack of on-board memory to be an issue. That means using the keyboard on a different computer will not provide your macros.